Dealing with Balinese traffic cops
This afternoon I had a blast from the past. Over the last 4 years the amount of police road blocks have decreased significantly, especially when compared to 2003. Nowadays I don’t even make a mental note to look out for roadblocks, so infrequently do I see them. This after heading north from the roundabout at Simpang Siur, my heart almost stopped when a young Balinese male on a motorbike, came tearing around the bend of the 4 lane highway the wrong way, riding at max speed right next to the dirt. He almost wiped out a Balinese female who was coming out of the XL center. ‘What’s he running from?’ I thought.
Thirty seconds later I found out, a massive police roadblock was in progress, with many patrol vehicles and a dozen cops. It might of been possible to ghost behind a dump truck and blast through, but being a civilized chap, I calmly pulled over in front of the waving cop.
The officer spoke English and asked me how I was doing. Many of the police were unarmed and without radios. After showing the cop my tattered International licence, he noticed it was issued in 2003 (knew there was something I forgot to do). “You like to pay ticket in Denpasar court?” he said “Or you like to take care of it here?” “I shrugged “Okay then then, take care of it here.” “Fifty” he said.
It is highly improper to hand and Indonesian police officer money, otherwise onlookers might get the impression you were attempting to bribe him. The correct proceedure is to place it on top of something, such as your motorbike seat or the hood (bonnet) of his car. My 50,000rp lasted 2 seconds on the bike before dissappearing into his pocket, for safe keeping no doubt. When people say that Indonesian culture is based on pretense, this is a good example.
Newcomers to Bali should have all their paperwork in order and if a ’solution’ is called for, act casual as if you’ve done it all before.
By Nick | Permalink
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Comments
…and weren’t we just discussing this, the other day?…me on the back of your bike etc!!
Got home and the lad’s forgotten to renew registration on his car.
Bribes…fines and taxes..same thing, really!!
Brian
Nick.. r u serious?? There is everyday now a “roadblock”, especially in sunset road/ Jalan Nakula area.. and don’t forget the Jalan Malboro usually after office hour.. and in Denpasar on the Way to Renon at least once a Week.. guess u must have been lucky huh?
PS: like that picture LOL
[...] Original post by Nick [...]
What you all must remember is the polisi have the time and patience to sniff out the rupiah.I would be happy (not really that happy) to pay 50k just to continue on my way and get away from the moneysucking vermin polisi.
Nick and everyone!!!
If police try and take money from you it is illegal!!!!!
The tourist police number is 0361224111
If you report a police to this agency for taking bribes they can be fired.. Just whip out your phone and start dialing random numbers when you have problems and they usually forgot they ever saw a thing!!!
But if they want to give you a ticket your SOL.
They can’t take your money though!
Well Rosco, u r actually rite BUT: if i did something wrong, like not wearing a helmet or passing a red traffic light or just because i forgot my papers at home, I still gone give that guys some money.
Because: it is really a pain in the ass going to the polda/court, apologizing that i am a bule and promising being a good guy in future.. and all that for 30T Rupiah.. nah.
I did call the “anti corruption police’ ( the number you also wrote, already twice. Usually you cant arguing with the Traffic Cops if its near a big ceremonie like Galungan etc.. they just nuts at that times… happy driving 
hey nick, i passed also two polce road blocks on tuesday , both on sunset road on the way to work, mate they\’re eveywhere.. who was that guy on the vespa with no helmut on dyana pura???
I know Sjbali, I just say, if you can say a little bahasa Bali and have a big smile!! They will probably let you go… But for the ones that try to pinch you for speeding or stopping at a light with your tire over the line!
When they ask for money I won’t give it to them! But if I am driving around without a helmet with no papers, I give them money with a smile!
Mate
I’ve encountered three road stops in the last 4 days I’ve been here. My international drivers license is almost as old as yours. I give them the license, copy of passport and car registration all at once. These stupid orangs are so overwhelemed they just pass u thru. Rp 50,000 sounds a tad high.
Thank god the waves are free.
a hui hou
rb